Disney World Erasing Classic ‘Little Mermaid’ and ‘Cars’ Rooms in Massive 2027 Overhaul
Disney World has officially confirmed that one of its most recognizable resort hotels is preparing for a major refresh, and fans already know it will not feel the same afterward.
Art of Animation Resort has been a staple of Disney vacations since opening in 2012. Families immediately connected with the hotel because it offered one of the most immersive resort experiences anywhere on Disney property. Instead of toned-down hotel rooms with subtle Disney touches, Art of Animation went all in on giant movie-inspired environments and heavily themed interiors.
Now, after more than a decade, Disney is getting ready to modernize those rooms for a new generation of guests.
A Resort Built Around Disney and Pixar Worlds
Art of Animation quickly became one of Disney World’s most recognizable Value Resorts by fully embracing the movies that inspired it.
The hotel features sections themed to Cars (2006), Finding Nemo (2003), The Lion King (1994), and The Little Mermaid (1989). Guests walking through the property encounter giant characters, oversized decorations, colorful pathways, and themed areas that feel like scenes pulled directly from the films.
For many families, the resort itself became part of the vacation experience.
The Cars area stood out as one of the most popular attractions because Disney recreated parts of Radiator Springs with detailed signs, themed buildings, and character displays. The Little Mermaid rooms also became extremely popular because they leaned heavily into underwater theming rather than a more traditional hotel design.
That bold style helped Art of Animation stand apart from newer resort refurbishments that have shifted toward softer colors and more neutral interiors.
Disney’s 2027 Refurbishment Plans
Disney has now officially confirmed that room refurbishments will begin at Art of Animation in summer 2027.
According to a Disney spokesperson, the updates will affect both standard guest rooms and the family suites. Disney also confirmed that the resort will stay open throughout the process.
Like several other recent Disney hotel refurbishments, construction will happen in phases rather than forcing a full resort closure. That should allow guests with upcoming vacations to continue booking stays at the hotel while work continues around the property.
Disney has not shared full concept art yet, but the announcement alone already signals a major change for a resort that has largely maintained its original room designs since 2012.
Disney Says Theming Is Staying
One of the biggest concerns among fans has been whether Disney would scale back the heavy movie theming that made Art of Animation famous.
So far, Disney says that it will not happen.
The company confirmed that the refreshed rooms will still stay heavily tied to their films, even though the final look will differ from the original versions guests know today.
Disney shared a few details about the updated Little Mermaid rooms, including seashell-inspired beds and chairs, a giant Ariel artwork,k and “Under the Sea” prints throughout the space. The redesigned rooms will also feature bubble-style lamps on the nightstands to continue the underwater atmosphere.
Disney has not released many details yet about the refreshed Cars rooms, though the company appears committed to maintaining strong movie-inspired storytelling throughout the resort.
Other Disney Resorts Continue To Change
Art of Animation joins a growing list of Disney resorts currently going through updates and changes.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort recently debuted a redesigned lobby and a new lobby bar while also bringing back its tea service. Construction is still underway in parts of the resort as Disney continues refreshing the property.
The BoardWalk area is also seeing major turnover. Big River Grille has closed, Promenade Fine Art Gallery is gone, and Jellyrolls officially shut down as well. Disney has not officially revealed plans for those spaces yet, though additional changes are expected.
Disney Is Closing Another Chapter of Resort History
For many guests, Art of Animation represents one of the last Disney resorts built around fully immersive room storytelling.
When the hotel debuted in 2012, Disney leaned heavily into oversized theming and colorful movie-inspired interiors that made the resort feel playful from the moment guests checked in.
Now, Disney is preparing to update those spaces while still preserving the spirit of the original designs.
The refreshed rooms may look more modern, but Disney appears determined to keep the connection to Cars and The Little Mermaid alive. Even so, the original 2012 room styles that so many families remember are officially nearing the end of their run.
That reality alone makes this refurbishment feel much bigger than a normal hotel update for many Disney fans.
